Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Pocket in Spanish
Bolsillo · noun · bohl-SEE-yoh
The Spanish word for pocket is 'bolsillo,' a diminutive of 'bolsa' (bag). In Mexico, 'bolsa' itself is commonly used to mean pocket (as well as bag), which can cause confusion. 'Bolsillo' also appears in expressions like 'de bolsillo' (pocket-sized) and 'rascarse el bolsillo' (to spend money reluctantly).
Pronounced bohl-SEE-yoh with stress on the second syllable. The double 'l' (ll) is pronounced like 'y' in most dialects.
Siempre llevo las llaves en el bolsillo derecho.
I always carry my keys in my right pocket.
Pocket in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for pocket, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| bolsillo | bohl-SEE-yoh | Default, widely understood | |
| bolsa | Mexico (pocket of clothing) | ||
| faltriquera | archaic/literary |
How Native Speakers Use Bolsillo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Everyday use
No metas el celular en el bolsillo trasero, te lo pueden robar.
Don't put your phone in your back pocket, someone could steal it.
Practical advice using 'bolsillo trasero' (back pocket) with safety vocabulary.
Figurative expression
Tiene al jefe metido en el bolsillo.
He has the boss wrapped around his finger.
Idiomatic expression 'tener a alguien en el bolsillo' meaning to have someone under your control.
Mexican variant
¿Traes cambio en la bolsa del pantalón?
Do you have change in your pants pocket?
Shows the Mexican use of 'bolsa' to mean pocket, specifying 'del pantalón' for clarity.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Bolsillo
Confusing 'bolsa' and 'bolsillo' across regions
Incorrect: Pon esto en tu bolsillo. (in Mexico, referring to a bag)
Correct: Pon esto en tu bolsa. (bag in Mexico) / Pon esto en tu bolsillo. (pocket everywhere)
In Mexico, 'bolsa' can mean both bag and pocket, while 'bolsillo' strictly means pocket. Outside Mexico, 'bolsa' means bag only. Know your audience.
Using 'pocket' as an adjective incorrectly
Incorrect: Es un libro pocket.
Correct: Es un libro de bolsillo.
The phrase 'de bolsillo' (of the pocket) is how Spanish forms pocket-sized or pocket-edition: 'diccionario de bolsillo,' 'libro de bolsillo.'
Lock in Pocket Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Bolsillo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using bolsillo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Siempre llevo las llaves en el bolsillo derecho. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Pocket in Spanish
- What's the difference between 'bolsillo' and 'bolsa' in Mexico?
- In Mexico, 'bolsa' serves double duty as both 'bag' and 'pocket,' so 'la bolsa del pantalón' means 'pants pocket' while 'la bolsa del súper' means 'grocery bag' — outside Mexico, 'bolsillo' is pocket and 'bolsa' is always bag, with no overlap.
- How do I say 'pocket money' in Spanish?
- Pocket money translates as 'dinero de bolsillo' or more commonly 'mesada' (monthly allowance) or 'domingo' (in Mexico, a weekly allowance given on Sundays) depending on whether you mean cash on hand or a child's allowance.
- What does 'de bolsillo' mean as a modifier?
- The phrase 'de bolsillo' works as an adjective meaning 'pocket-sized' or 'portable,' used for items like 'diccionario de bolsillo' (pocket dictionary), 'calculadora de bolsillo' (pocket calculator), or 'libro de bolsillo' (paperback/pocket book).